Creative Ways to Incorporate Your Furry Friend in Your Wedding

One trend that I am really loving this year is adding dogs (or cats!) into your big day. I think it is such a simple way to make your wedding feel more personal. And for many pet owners, furry friends are about the closest thing to family as you can get. It’s hard to imagine them not being there! I know not all dogs behave well enough to walk down the aisle or sit through pictures, but there are many ways to still highlight your animals on your special day. Here are some of my favorite tips on including four-legged friends into the celebrations, especially if they can’t be present at the wedding: 

• First and foremost, if you want to have your pets by your side on your wedding day, it is so important to either designate a specific person to watch over them or hire someone to take care of them. There are many businesses that now specialize in dog sitting services during weddings. One that I recommend most is Furever and Fur Always (@fureveralways). They have different packages that cater exactly to the services you might need on your big day. 

• If you would rather have your pup stay at home but still want to incorporate them into your big day, there are a couple different things you can do. One of my couples this past October had cocktail napkins made that included a custom design of their dog. 

They were such a hit and a perfect way to show their love for their furbaby.

• Another way to express your gratitude for your pup is at the bar. Design a signature cocktail in honor of them. On Etsy, you can find many sellers that make custom bar signs — all you need to do is come up with a clever name!

• Favors are often an item that couples overthink. Sometimes couples go too over-the-top and spend an excess amount of money on those tiny parting gifts. Instead of doing something expected, you could always do a “doggie bag” of human cookies with a loving note from your furry friend. It’s easily the simplest way to send off your guests with a personalized treat. And trust me, they’ll be thankful for the post-wedding snack!

• Cardboard cutouts are another fun way to show off your pets without them actually being there. Place them at the photo booth as a prop or maybe even as an accessory on the dance floor! The best part — your guests are sure to get a kick out of it. 

Involving your furry friends in the wedding is not always an option, even if a bride and groom strongly desires it. Some couples are lucky enough to have their dog be their ring bearer in an outdoor wedding. But there is always the chance a venue doesn’t allow animals. If that’s the case, these tips will help you incorporate them seamlessly into your wedding day without fail. Let’s face it, if they can’t be there physically, there really is no better way to honor them!

All my love,

Sasha

My Q&A with An Alterations Expert

Back in Nashville, I quickly became familiarized with the wedding industry while planning my own wedding. I was lucky enough to meet Sarah, the owner of Rudy Lou. I originally got to know Sarah through a bridal shop we worked at together, but when I needed alterations for my own gown, I KNEW she was the one.

Sarah specializes in taking vintage gowns and transforming them into something new. She will work her magic on your mother’s old dress while maintaining the integrity of the original piece. It is something quite spectacular to see something old convert to something just right for you.

When it comes to your wedding dress, you want to trust someone that is not only professional but understands a wedding gown is more than just a dress you wear one day. It is a memory forever. Sarah’s expertise inspired me to interview her, to get an in-depth look at why alterations are truly an integral part of your wedding dress experience.

Take a look at our interview below!

Sasha: Tell me a little bit about your business, who you are, and why you started working in the wedding industry?

Sarah: My name is Sarah Jameson; I am a 27-year-old Nashville Native. I started Rudy Lou three years ago as a custom bridal business. After graduating college with a fashion design degree, I was lost as to what I wanted my future career to be! I began working at a corporate bridal store, where I quickly fell in love with bridal but deep down, I knew the corporate world wasn't for me. I left this job to start my own path in the bridal business, where I would be able to control the environment my brides walked into and every little detail that goes into the Wedding Dress Experience for these brides

Sasha: What should a bride expect to spend on alterations?

Sarah: Typical bridal alterations tend to vary on styles and fabrics of your gown — If your gown is very simplistic and not needing complete restructure you can expect to spend around $250-$350. If your gown is full of detail and layers with added appliques and lace, a typical alteration cost can be anywhere from $400-800

Sasha: If you had to pick 2 main areas to focus on, what would they be?

Sarah: The 2 most important areas to focus on in bridal alterations would have to be:

1.     The hem — Your hem needs to be touching the top of the floor from hip to hip to ensure you will be able to step surely without hesitation that you are stepping on the gown itself!

2.     The bodice fit — The bodice fit is a HUGE part- this is where the weight of the gown sits and if your bodice is slipping down all night brides tend to *tug on the top of the gown. this will have the effect of you slipping out of your dress and extremely uncomfortable. you need to be wearing the dress. Not the dress wearing you.

Sasha: How much should a bride expect to spend if they are remaking a dress? For example, her mother's dress. 

Sarah: All of my reconstructed gowns I like to base off of budget- for some brides who like to wear these recreations for a shower or rehearsal dinner the average price point is $500-800. For a reconstructed gown that will be worn for the ceremony we typically do a LOT of detail work on these and they average range around $800-2,000 (again depending on what all you would like to change and add in.

Sasha: I have seen so many bustles go wrong, can you explain why it is so important to do a bustle correctly? 

Sarah: Bustles are such an important part of the alteration process. This is when you have shown the wedding your gown and now you are ready to hook it up and enjoy your night without the train holding you back. Bustles not only help your ease of movement in the gown they also are a key in keeping your gown from being ruined. Late in the night with friends and family hugging and dancing it is very easy for your train to be stepped on, ripped, spilled on and many other disasters! Bustles are the way to go if you are looking to hook up your train and not worry about all of the beautiful details of your gown being ruined! 

Once you find your dream dress, the easy part is done. Next, every bride should consider sitting down with an alterations expert. In order to look and feel your very best on your special day, alterations are a necessary step. A special thanks to Sarah for taking part in this interview — I hope this insight helps many brides understand the costs and value of doing alterations before your big day.

All my love,

Sasha

P.s. Below are just two samples of Sarah’s work, but to keep up do date on all things Rudy Lou give her a follow on Instagram @Rudy_Lou!

Reflecting Back On Our 2020 Wedding Season

Goodbye 2020 weddings! 

It’s hard to believe How Could You Knot just had our last wedding of the year. If I am speaking frankly, like everyone else in the world, this was not how I pictured this year for my company. We originally had 17 weddings on the books, an accomplishment I was all too proud of. But after a couple cancellations and countless reschedules, my packed calendar turned into 5 weddings total, all taking place between late summer and fall. Despite the downturn of 2020, there is one thing I know for certain: covid-19 could not defy love. 

Those 5 weddings showed me the bounds of commitment. Neither rain nor virus could stop these couples from basking in the joy of their respective wedding day. Each couple was truly so happy even though many sacrifices came along the way (and a whole lot of stress in between). Some couples could not have grandparents or friends from out of state. Others had to change their entire reception to ensure the safety of their guests. 

Now, each welcome table comes standard with hand sanitizer and masks. Even the socialization of cocktail hour has taken a new form – with guests being served at their table to help minimize crowding. It’s a weird new reality, but during my time in the wedding industry I’ve come to understand that any big day can be made special with the right preparation. Our job at How Could You Knot is to take any challenge and seamlessly transform it into a beautiful event. Covid-19 hasn’t stopped us yet, and I look forward to this next wedding season with the same optimism I’ve had this year. 

I wish nothing but long and lasting marriages for all these couples. To be honest, if you can make it through planning a wedding during a global pandemic, you can undeniably make it through anything.

All my thanks, 

Sasha 

Photo credit: Pravada Photography

How to Pick the BEST Dresses for your Bridesmaids

Long gone are the days of matching pink, puffy sleeved dresses that plagued the traditional bridesmaid of the 80’s and 90’s. We said goodbye to permed hair, excessive frills, and chucky gold jewelry. We no longer have to look back at pictures and say, “I can’t believe she made me wear that!”. As trends evolve over time, we can only hope that everything does not come back in style. Until then…it is time to appreciate this much anticipated fashion evolution. Today, the role of a bridesmaid has become more popular than ever. Colors have modernized to more neutral hues, styles have streamlined drastically, and hair and makeup have reached their prime thanks to the likes of YouTube and makeup influencers. Many brides have ditched the formalities of selecting a bridesmaid dress by allowing their chosen tribe to choose a style of their choice. This option can be a game changer for women of different shapes and sizes, while giving each gal an opportunity to display their personal style. Some brides have opted to assign multiple color options or even different shades of the same color, which creates a subtle ombre affect. We can partially thank this newfound, stylistic freedom to our progressive generation, but maybe we should really be thanking Pinterest. Let’s face it, those Pinterest boards are leading the way to inspiration, and bridesmaid dresses are no exception. As a close friend and bridesmaid of Sasha, I can attest to the amount of love, support, and planning that goes into celebrating your big day. This blog post will offer some great sources on where to find a bridesmaid dress along with some helpful insights from my own experience. 

The first task at hand is selecting a color scheme. As a bride, it is essential to pick a color/s that you find both aesthetically appealing and complimentary to your wedding. Many brides, like Sasha, knew she wanted a color that was elegant and befitting of her venue. As an added bonus for us bridesmaids, the dress was extremely comfortable and had pockets. (Who doesn’t love those?!) Thankfully, many of the recommended sites below allow you to order color samples before deciding on a specific dress color. This can be extremely helpful when you’re debating between two colors or you want a better idea of how the dress will look in person.

 Check out these sites for some great dress options: 

1. Azazie

https://www.azazie.com/

 2. Show Me Your Mumu

https://showmeyourmumu.com/

 3. David’s Bridal

https://www.davidsbridal.com/bridesmaids

 4. BHLDN

https://www.bhldn.com/categories/bridal-party-bridesmaid-dresses

 5. Nordstrom’s

https://shop.nordstrom.com/c/bridesmaid-dresses

 6. Birdy Grey

https://www.birdygrey.com/

As a bridesmaid, I’ve learned that no matter what color or dress you’re assigned to, it is your job to rock it. You may feel gray does not work well with your complexion, but your fit and confidence will make all the difference. Choosing a bridesmaid dress can be stressful, but under no circumstances should you express your disdain or frustration to the bride. Find support through your friends and fellow bridal party, and never hesitate to ask for advice when you’re feeling overwhelmed. I highly recommend ordering your dress in advance because some dresses can take up to 3-6 months to deliver. This will also give you plenty of time to make the appropriate alterations. Trust me, you don’t want an unhappy seamstress after you give her only 24 hours before the big event. (Sorry Norma!) 

Right now I have four dresses hanging in my closet. Each dress a different style, color, and texture. Some a bit stained from a long night of drinking. Some a bit tattered from one too many attempts at the Cha Cha slide. They are all symbolic of a great evening and an even truer friendship. And luckily, I have the greatest friends to thank for that. Enjoy every moment of being a bridesmaid, because you never truly know when you’ll be searching for your next dress!

By: Michaella Malone

A huge THANK you to Michaella for writing this blog and an even bigger thank you for being such an amazing friend! The top picture is my Maid of Honor, Katie and Michaella and then the bottom picture is also Michaella as well!

Picture Credit: Exposure Studios

Who's ready to partyyyyyyy?!

If you caught on to my Bridesmaids reference, then we would TOTALLY be friends. If you couldn’t tell by my title, this blog post is going to be all about your girl gang aka your bridesmaids! Who you chose to stand by your side on your wedding day is so important, and these girls (or boys) will play a major role in some of your sweetest memories. They will be the ones who talk you down from an emotional breakdown, help you find your wedding gown, get ready with you, and so much more. It is crucial to choose your bridal party based on your genuine relationships, not because you feel obligated. You do not want to look back on your wedding pictures and regret seeing your cousin Sally that your mom insisted you include. Choosing a well-rounded bridal party puts a lot of pressure on the bride, but it is essential to choose each person with good intentions. This group should ultimately be lifelong friends or family, people who support your relationship and will remain an active figure in your life. 

Your bridesmaids are your support system. This is their main role throughout the entire wedding planning process and specifically on the day of. You need to keep in mind that this group of ladies are there to help you, but they shouldn’t be expected to build your center pieces or help track RSVP’s. As a bride, it is easy to become self-focused and start creating last minute expectations of the bridal party. They have their own lives too, including families and careers, and they should not be expected to make your life their own. Another notion when choosing your bridesmaids is to keep money in mind. Be mindful of your expectations and how heavily it affects their finances. You may not be able to have a lavish bachelorette party, extravagant bridal shower, and expensive bridesmaid dresses all together. Sometimes you might need to compromise on one or two things. I recommend making a list of your estimated expenses and privately talking with each bridesmaid to make sure it is feasible for them. You need to find the perfect balance between planning your dream wedding and being consciously aware of those who are involved. Communication is key, just like your future marriage. Make sure you are up front and able to talk openly with your tribe. That will ensure smooth sailing throughout the entire process! 

P.S. Keep an eye out for a new blog post about bridesmaid dresses! One of my own bridesmaids is pretty much a professional bridesmaid at this point and has some great tips on how to choose the best dress!

Photo Credit: Yana Shellman Photography

Survival Tips for the Introverted Bride

Coming from someone who HATES being the center of attention, I know anxiety can be a real factor when it comes to your wedding day. Many brides eagerly await their moment in the spotlight, but this is not the case for introverted brides. As much as you want to feel loved and celebrated on your special day, the idea of having 100 plus eyes narrowed on you can cause some serious stress. This is natural and should be expected, but most importantly, there is nothing wrong with feeling this way. It is my job to distract your nerves and make sure you feel at ease and comfortable with all the decisions made. While working with some awesome introverted brides, I gained useful tips on how to minimize the attention of your guests and make it even more about you and your soon to be husband (or wife)! 

1. First looks not only allow the couple to get a bulk of their photos done prior to the ceremony, but it also enables the couple to have a big moment become very intimate. You can do it with your bridal party watching nearby or on your own, it is totally up to you and whatever YOU are comfortable with. Your photographer and videographer will be there to capture every moment, while giving you and your partner a chance to spend meaningful time together before the madness begins. 

2. If you or your significant other are opposed to doing a first look, then a first touch could be the perfect thing for you! A first touch would be done prior to the ceremony, in which you could feel and talk to each other without taking away from the initial first glance of the bride walking down the aisle. It could give both partners a sense of peace and familiarity before heading into the ceremony. 

3. If the idea of reading in front of a bunch of people makes you want to faint (like myself), then I suggest exchanging vows prior to the ceremony. You can recite them to one another after you have completed the first look. I recently had a couple choose this option and they were able to have a more private and personalized experience for them. I think it is the perfect option for a more introverted bride or couple in general, and a sweet memory to go along with their big day.

4. A private dinner is also a great option to spend personal time with your husband or partner once the festivities have begun. The guests will be busy mingling with friends and family and focusing on the delicious food, while you and your significant other can eat and spend quality time together in a private location nearby. Although this option is unique compared to a traditional reception, it creates an intimate and romantic moment away from your family and friends. 

5. One of the last things I would recommend for introverted brides, would be to cut off some of the “expected” formalities of a traditional wedding. I always recommend doing a first dance, but maybe you could cut out the bouquet and garter toss. The less you would need to be announced by your DJ, the better! 

Your wedding day is exactly what I just mentioned, YOUR wedding day. Make it your own, and let your personality be the driving force behind your planning. Do not feel pressured to do the “norm”, because you never want to look back on your special day and feel any regret at all.

Photo Credit: Yana Shellman Photography

Baby's First Birthday Fiesta!

As you can imagine in my role as an event planner, I take great pride in planning and putting together a memorable experience for my boy’s birthday parties. It gives me the opportunity to exercise my creative juices and create fun and unique themes that can be enjoyed by children and adults. My youngest son, Nolan, turned one on July 17th, and his party was quite the FIESTA. I stumbled upon this theme on Pinterest several months ago so I can’t take all the credit, however, it was a great starting point to my inspiration. I mean, who doesn’t love tacos?! I am super thankful for my husband who remains supportive and helpful throughout the process. Also, thank you to my amazing mom for flying up from Florida to help with all the last-minute party prep! Without my family’s support, I would not have pulled off such a special celebration

I found some great décor items on Etsy, like his personalized paper banner and cupcake toppers. When in doubt, check Etsy! They will probably have what you need. I also came across this amazing party décor website, Shop Sweet Lulu. I purchased a custom balloon garland kit and confetti filled large balloons. They have everything you need, for any type of party! My son’s nickname is “Noons” or “NoonieBoons” and I thought Pin the Stache on the Noon’s, was a fun addition to his party. I had a local baker, Jenni’s Goodies, make his smash cake, cupcakes, and cookies. I can promise you they taste even better than they looked! It is so rewarding to see something you’ve worked so hard on come together just as you imagined.

It was such a fun day with friends and family celebrating little Nolan. All events, are big events in this household. Now time to start planning Kaysen’s birthday!